Ann R. Triplett of Boise has been elected to a third term to the Daughters of the Nile National Foundation. She is serving as vice president of this 501(c)(3) nonprofit public corporation which maintains a permanent endowment fund to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Baseball pitch velocity: the most competitive challenge presented in ‘America’s Favorite Pass-time’. From the moment the pitcher releases the ball from his hand, the batter must decide if he’s going to swing, or not, and how; and he has less than .40 seconds to make that decision—that’s at a pitch of 90 mph. The following pitchers didn’t afford a hitter that much time.
10. Randy Johnson–While the ‘Big Unit’ rounds the list at a paltry 102 mph, it’s important to remember that, at 6’ 10”, there was never a more imposing figure that ever took the mound. His success was built upon his consistent speed and the angle of trajectory (given his extraordinary height), making the angle of incidence (point of contact of bat and ball) a near impossible task for a batter.
9. Bobby Jenks–Now residing with two other 100+ club members on the Red Sox (Jonathan Papelbon, Daniel Bard), Jenks is the poster-child for power pitchers. Not only can the man clip at 102 mph, but he throws a very ‘heavy’ ball–a ‘bat-breaker’.
8. Brian Wilson–‘Blackbeard’, also weighing-in at a mere 102 mph, is the go-to guy in the late innings of the reigning champs, San Francisco Giants. His dark, intimidating intensity is only matched by the pinpoint control of his phenomenal flame. His skill defines the title of ‘closer’.
7. Steve Dalkowski–Although he never received a Major League paycheck, it’s only fitting to include him in the list. In the minors, 1958, his speed was measured at a soft 102.2 mph. However, those who faced him, including legend Ted Williams, assessed his unmeasured speed at 110 mph; and possessing little control of his projectile, he was truly a feared presence on the hill.
6. Jonathan Broxton–At 6’4”, 300 lbs., this Georgia native is the foundation of the Dodgers bullpen; and, rightly so, given his propensity to keep his median velocity at, or above, 100 mph. He peaked at 102.5, giving him an earned spot on the list.
5. Mark Wohlers–Most noted for his years as a closer for the Atlanta Braves, this Massachusetts native clocked a verified speed of 102.6 mph. Unsuccessful rehabilitation, post-surgeries, shortened his career but not his notable mention in the club of the Fastest!
4. Joel Zumaya–While being selected in deep rounds of the draft (11th), the Detroit Tigers’ closer has paid-off in huge dividends in stabilizing a formerly erratic bullpen. Quite often, the ‘big heat’ is saved for the job of a closer, but the Tigers like Zumaya’s 103 mph fastball to stop any momentum the opponents may have in middle innings…smart baseball!
3. Aroldis Chapman–The ‘Cuban Missile’ arrived on the scene just a year ago to fill the much needed vacancy in the Reds’ franchise: a ‘beacon’ in a murky clubhouse. Hitting the stage with a 105.1 mph fastball was a great way to get some press-time, even if it arrived in the form of relief. The Reds are now left with the task of building his endurance, expanding his pith repertoire and making him a starter.
2. Bob Feller–‘Rapid Robert’ enjoyed a 20-year stint with Cleveland beginning in 1936. Despite the fact that he threw serious heat (107.66 mph), he had an arsenal of other pitches that were equally lethal. This Iowa-born phenom would surely rank in the Top 5 of the greatest throwers of all time.
1. Nolan Ryan–The ‘Ryan Express’ graced the professional mound for 27 years. With perfect, complex mechanics, Ryan mastered consistency in velocity and was strong and determined enough to sustain this through late innings and a long career. He holds the speed record at 108.01 mph, giving his opponent batters about .06 seconds’ less time to think about what they’re going to do.
There you have them, from number ten to number one. The fastest hands that have ever thrown a baseball in this world’s history.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Masonic Center still not rockin’ as legal setbacks keep concert promoter out of venue

A judge dealt another setback to plans for the Masonic Center to become a full-time musical venue. (Examiner file photo)

The bells of Grace Cathedral should remain the loudest noise emanating from atop Nob Hill after a judge dealt another setback to plans for the Masonic Center to become a full-time musical venue with a permanent liquor license, more bars and 85 shows per year.
At the very least, two Superior Court rulings have significantly hampered the ambitions of the event-promotions giant Live Nation.
In late April, the Nob Hill Association neighborhood group won two lawsuits against The City and the Masons.
Judge Ernest Goldsmith ruled that the project lacked proper environmental review and that a Planning Department zoning administrator erred in approving the expanded usage.

After Live Nation lost control of The Warfield in 2008, the nation’s largest concert promoter hoped to expand the Masonic Center’s auditorium as its flagship midsize venue in San Francisco. That would enable it to better serve the market for bands capable of attracting a few thousand fans, the sweet spot in the concert industry following the decline of the arena rockers of years past.

The Masonic Center currently holds around 3,200 people, and the proposed renovation would add about 100 spaces and several bars. The ground-level seats also would be torn out to better suit rock shows and create space for one of the greatest fears of the neighbors — a mosh pit.

“What happens when they have raucous-type events up there?” asked Bob Varni, president of the Nob Hill Association, which also is fighting the venue’s liquor license application before the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission in Sacramento. “We already have enough people hiding needles in Huntington Park without adding 3,300 more.”

During hearings on the matter, neighbors complained about the potential for increased traffic and a lack of parking. Nonetheless, the Board of Supervisors eventually approved the concert use during a contentious four-hour hearing last May.

The venue currently is used for corporate events, graduations and citizenship ceremonies. Charlie Sheen also appeared there last month on his “My Violent Torpedo of Truth” tour. Temporary liquor licenses are obtained on a case-by-case basis.

Steven Vettel, an attorney who represented the Masons and has worked with Live Nation in the past, said appeals to the decisions are being considered. Expansion plans could still move forward with a zoning change and further environmental study.

“It means we have to go through more procedure,” Vettel said, estimating that the environmental review might take a year. “I can’t tell you what the future will hold … we are not walking away from the project.”

Live Nation spokeswoman Liz Morentin echoed those comments in an email response.
“We fully intend to pursue the modernizations we have planned and will embark upon the environmental review process outlined in the ruling,” Morentin said. Jack Song, a spokesman for the City Attorney’s Office, said his office likewise is considering its options and isn’t ruling out an appeal.
But in the event of more litigation, Nob Hill Association attorney Denis Shanagher said the neighbors plan to keep fighting the expansion.

“The neighborhood would oppose the appeal and oppose any effort to rezone the Masonic Temple area,” Shanagher said. “I think the neighbors have lived with, and do not object to, the current use of the facility.”

This year tickets are $50.00 for individual and Reserve tables (seating for 8) are $300.00. We will have a total of 20 tables to include Reserve and individual seating. Sponsor tables are $600(seating for eight) and we will have 50 of these tables .We will have 10 Sponsor tables at $2500.00 .Tickets can be purchased on line by going to the web site. Once the Reserve tables and individual seating is sold out, we will do a waiting list. Check with Doug Fry (BB) or Mick Degn for sales packages if you need one.

Again this year we will have a live and silent auction along with raffles, blitz’s and a great dinner. In addition, we will have a short program with slide show that tells the story of what we do as Shriners and why it is so important.If you’ve had a chance to see Ed Stolze’s presentation in the past, Ed promises it will be bigger and better this year.

As we get closer to the benefit we will have more detail on our benefit but a couple things that we’re very excited about this year.

A graduate of Weber State College, Moyes is currently vice president of the American Trucking Association and previously served as president of the Arizona Motor Transport Association.

Jerry and his wife Vickie have been married for over 39 years and have 10 children and 10 grandchildren.If you should have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of the Night of the Child members, Chairman’s or myself. Now’s the time to get your tickets before it’s sold out.Thank you again,Mick Degn

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

While they may not be guardians of a national treasure, the Free and Accepted Masons of the Santa Maria Lodge No. 580 proved guardians of their philanthropic code when they honored students, teachers, administrators and parents during their 12th annual Public Schools Awareness Night.

Nine sixth-graders were chosen by their teachers — seven from Ramona elementary schools, one from Julian Union Elementary, and one from Spencer Valley Elementary — for their good grades, school spirit, and leadership abilities. Each of the students received a certificate and a $50 savings bond.

Also honored was Ramona Unified School District Teacher of the Year Robin Koch for her successes in the classroom.

“We are a community-oriented organization and we try to do things that are of a service to the community and to the schools,” said Richard W. Swafford, public schools recognition committee chairman.

These students are the very best of the very best, said Ramona Unified School District Superintendent Bob Graeff, Ed.D.

They are the students that participate, that study, that work hard, and that have a good attitude; they come to school regularly, Graeff added.

Kristina Garcia said she was happy about receiving the award. She added that she is inspired to excel in school because of her family and friends.

Graeff thanked the Masons for their continued support of public schools and the children of the local communities at a time when public schools are the “punching bag” of the state budget.

The Santa Maria Lodge of Ramona received its charter in 1924 and has more than 100 members today. Masonry is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to help make the world a better place.

“The goal of it is to make good men better,” said Jim Anthony, secretary.

“One of the primary goals of Free Masonry is a public education and supporting children.”

The lodge meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. and welcomes the public to visit and learn about Masonic history. They are at 310 Ninth St.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Evil Twin/ El Zaribah Motorcycle Unit "Shriners Children Hospital fund raiser" Robert from Evil Twin, Mick Degan and JC Reece have 450 tickets that need to be sold before the game. If all the tickets are sold we can have 4 Shriner kids on a pregame field activity and hopefully one to sing the National Anthem at the game.
We will also have 4th street closed for bike parking only the night of the event.

I know the date of the game seems like of loong time off, but the sooner we can sell these ticket the quicker Mick and I can start on other project!
Thank you for any help you might be able to provide to get the word out and sell all the tickets.
We will also received a Suite valued at $2500 that Robert will donate to be auctioned off at "Night of the Child". ALL net proceeds after the tickets are paid for will be donated by Robert from Evil Twin Custom Cycles to Shriner Hospital for Children.
For Our Veterans and Our Children JC Reece, Ret. US Coast Guard El Zaribah Motorcycle Unit

Redding man lucky winner

May 13 2011,

Kelly Asbe of Redding received a check in the amount of $3,060 after becoming the winner of the Helicopter Ball Drop sponsored by the Tehama County Shriners Club on May 1, during the Les Schwab Pro-Am Golf Tournament, held at Wilcox Oaks Golf Club.
David Gunsauls, of PJ's Helicopters, Inc., donated his time and helicopter for the occasion.
Proceeds and donations benefit the children of Northern California through the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Kelly Asbe of Redding receives a check in the amount of $3,060 from Bob Conatser, president of the Tehama County Shrine Club.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

When Chad Christman was 4 months old, he went for a drive with his parents. The year was 1980, and Christman was sitting in his mom’s lap in the front seat of the car. His brothers were in the back. At an intersection just off East Sprague Avenue, the vehicle was hit so forcefully by another vehicle that Christman went airborne, flying out of the car. Police said the accident was so violent and the cars so mangled, it looked like it had happened on the freeway.
“At the time there were no seat belt laws or car seat laws, so it wasn’t unusual that I sat in my mom’s lap,” said Christman. The rest of the family escaped with bumps and bruises – but Christman was badly injured.
“They said I was blind after the accident. Thankfully, my sight came back,” said Christman. “And I had a lot of fluid built up in my head. It was terrible for my parents; they went through a lot.”
Today, at 30, Christman is the IT administrator for Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest, and he just received Goodwill’s national 2011 Achiever of the Year award because of how far he has come since that fateful day.
“We tried for the award last year, too, but didn’t get it,” said Christman, sitting in his Goodwill office from which he oversees more than 240 computer users. “I think it’s very cool that I won the award. And I feel like my life is headed in the right direction.”
After the car wreck, Christman spent a lot of time in hospitals, mostly at Shriners Hospital, where he was fitted for leg and back braces. During middle school he spent almost two years at Shriners while doctors tried to save as much of his mobility as possible. He was never able to walk, but he has upper-body mobility.
“I remember the old Shriners Hospital where there were seven beds to a room and all that,” said Christman. “It was tough keeping up with school while I was in there, but I was on the honor roll, and friends came to see me.”
Using a wheelchair caused severe scoliosis (curving) of his spine and at one point he went through back surgery.
“They put rods in my back, but back then the rods were made for people who sat still and I was very active, so the rods broke,” said Christman, chuckling a little. “I had other surgeries. They put a board in my back.”
After one round of surgery he lost feeling in his right arm and hand.
“It works, but it still gets cold sometimes and it’s not completely OK,” said Christman, lifting and flexing his right arm.
Growing up, Christman said he treated his wheelchair much like a skater would treat his skateboard. At his childhood home in Hangman Valley he’d race down the road with his friends, never one to be left behind.
“I’d do anything in my chair. I used to have to jump the curbs because there were no cutouts,” said Christman.
He went to the Rose Bowl with the band at Ferris High School before graduating from Shadle Park High School. After high school he was unsure what to do, but took some college classes and went out to live on his own.
Employment opportunities were limited because, as Christman puts it, people mostly saw his chair.
“There was a lot of ,‘Oh, you can’t do this and you can’t do that’ going on,” he said. “At that time of my life I didn’t plan too far ahead. I just planned for the next day, because I didn’t know what was going to happen with my body.”
He finally connected with Goodwill in 2003, and his first job there was to sort toys.
“I think they got annoyed with me because I went through the boxes too fast,” Christman said, laughing.
Through ongoing job evaluations his computer skills were brought up again and again.
“I built a computer network at home out of the computers we had,” said Christman.
“When I was a kid, if I needed a cable for something, I’d make my own. I like building things out of what we have around the house.”
Some computer classes and a yearlong internship at Itronix launched Christman into his new career.
“It happened so fast. I was hired in the IT department in 2005,” said Christman. By 2010, he was promoted to administrator. “I really like to teach people how to do things. And I try to make it a little more interesting for them if I can tell they aren’t paying attention.”
The maintenance staff at Goodwill has helped Christman design a cart that hooks onto his wheelchair so he can transport computers around the office.
He loves his job and said he’d like to stay in the IT department as long as they will keep him there.
“I like to say that it’s kind of ironic: when Chad got here he depended on our services; now we are totally dependent on him,” said Clark M. Brekke, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest. “He’s a great guy. He certainly deserves the award and we are happy to have him here.”

Eighth-grade Harker School students, led by Glenn Reddy of Los Altos, are making an annual tradition of holding garage sales to benefit worthy causes.
This year’s fourth annual sale at the Reddy home, during the April 16-17 weekend, netted $1,150, which the students will donate to Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento.
“Over the past few years, we have raised money for places in Uganda, Costa Rica and India,” Glenn said in an e-mail interview with the Harker Quarterly, which his mother, Anita, forwarded to the Town Crier. “We sat down and realized this year that people need help locally and not just in other countries. ... Since I have been a patient at Shriners myself, I recommended the Shriners hospital as a group to donate to.”
Reddy started the garage sales in the fourth grade with classmate Jeton Gutierrez-Bujari through his club, Peace2Peace. Jeremy Binkley and Alex Thomas joined a year later and the four have been at it ever since.
“I was surprised how much we were able to get out of (selling items),” Gutierrez-Bujari said.
This year’s sale drew plenty of customers, including some who showed up at least 90 minutes before the scheduled 8 a.m. start.
Working with a sponsoring Harker teacher, the students in Peace2Peace have raised approximately $5,000 collectively through their garage sales. Each year, with a different sponsoring teacher, the club has targeted a humanitarian organization for donations.
Starting in the 2007-2008 school year, Peace2Peace raised $1,500 for AIDS Orphans Education Trust, an organization providing child welfare and medical assistance in Uganda. The following year, the club raised $1,000 for Cloud Forest School in Costa Rica. Last year, students raised nearly the same amount for Liza’s Home for disabled women in India.
The Harker School community donated hundreds of items for the sale, from books and movies to household items, furniture and old Elvis records.
“Peace2Peace has been an overall great experience for me,” Glenn said. “It has taught me how to work under time constraints, strong leadership skills and how to handle responsibility.”
Other students helping with this year’s sale included Sophia Shatas, Hannah Baz and Christina Andrus.
Harker School is a private K-12 school in San Jose.

Annual Shriners Fundraiser Is Now Underway:Sweet Vidalia Onions Are In

For the last several years the Casper Shrine Club has had a unique fundraiser that is always highly anticipated.

brian scott k2news

Every year at this time of the year folks start looking for the sweet vidalia onions to show up….and they have. Starting Tuesday 4/26 and until they last , 15,000 lbs of vidalia onions will be available for purchase from 9-6 at the Casper Shrine Club at the corner of 39th and Coffman, right behind the Sunrise Shopping Center. Last year it only took 3 days to sell out , so if you aren’t quick, you will miss out. Past Potentate Craig Warner joined us this morning to talk about it. Craig also left these recipes with us to share.
Vidalia onion pie

preheat oven to 400. peel onion. scoop out center with the large end of a melon baller.with a sharp knife crosshatch the onion 1/3 of thw way down from the top. set onion on a piece of aluminum foil stuff cavity with the remaining ingredients. wrap in foil, bake 75 minutes. enjoy.